Bit and Bridle Fitting

Everything you need to know

Bit and Bridle Fitting.


July 2022

The anatomy of the equine head and mouth was never intended to be fitted with a bit or bridle. A horse's tongue fills their entire oral cavity, therefore any bit put into their mouth will mean even less space for the tongue. A large proportion of behavioural issues caused by a bit are a direct result of compression and restriction of the tongue. Many horse owners do not realise the implications throughout the entire equine body which can be caused by excess tongue pressure.


A correctly fitting bit and bridle is therefore essential to your horse or ponies' wellbeing, comfort and performance. Unfortunately, this is all-too-often overlooked or poorly understood, as many horse owners are simply unaware of the implications of a badly fitting bit or bridle.


Bit and bridle fitting isn't an exact science. What works well for one horse, often doesn't work well for another. We only have to understand that every horse's mouth, head, body, musculoskeletal system, size, etc varies from one horse to another in much the same way these do for humans. The symmetry of a horse's head can even present an issue which can affect bit or bridle fitting and sizing. Add to these physical constraints, the vast array of bits and bridles that manufacturers provide, and correct bit and bridle selection then becomes complex.


Manufacturers invest huge amounts of time and money carrying out research to enhance their own products, catering for things like different head and mouth anatomy / sizes, while also considering required function and performance, rider experience, and competition regulations.


When we consider these points, surely it seems logical that that the bit and bridle fitter who visits your horse ideally should not be tied to 1 or 2 specific brands. It's surely in your own best interest to check that your fitter has access to a reasonable product and brand range but, not only that, understands the differences between them and the benefits of one over another and, most importantly, has taken the time to analyse your horse well enough to be able to make a suitable selection from these.


While having brand awareness and knowledge is important for a bit fitter, it is unreasonable to expect a bit fitter to carry every possible type of bit or bridle, as the range (in terms of models, sizes and even cost) is so vast (believe us...you'd probably be amazed!), and even different between all the brands. 


In our view, a good bit and bridle fitter should not be trying to sell you something that they have in their box (unless, of course, that is what you need). Their objective should be to find the best (as in most suitable) bit or bridle for your horse, and which also takes into consideration the experience and requirements of the rider. We appreciate the cost of a new bit can be a big outlay and often assist clients in sourcing secondhand versions of recommended bits.


Above all else, after the session is complete, a good fitter should always be prepared to back their findings and recommendations up in a formal report. A report provides confidence and assurance that a full and proper appraisal has been carried out, with findings and recommendations documented fully so that you know what the issues are, and what you need to do to mitigate or resolve them - after all, isn't this what you are paying for?


- Equiphoria Ltd. 

'Happy Horses. Always'


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